PKGBackup updated to v5.0.10 – back-up & restore all your Cydia packages

http://www.funkyspacemonkey.com/pkgbackup-updated-v5010-backup-restore-cydia-packages

APK Downloader Chrome extension bypasses restrictions & saves Android apps to your desktop

http://mobile.theverge.com/2012/2/25/2824024/apk-downloader-chrome-extension-android

Canalys: Android apps are too expensive

http://m.bgr.com/2012/02/23/canalys-android-apps-are-too-expensive/

/ press /

Jailbreak apps leak private data less than Apple-approved apps, study shows

http://m.bgr.com/2012/02/16/jailbreak-apps-leak-private-data-less-than-apple-approved-apps-study-shows/

/ approved invading /

Apple's iPhone business alone is now bigger than all of Microsoft

http://www.businessinsider.com/iphone-bigger-than-microsoft-2012-2

iOS apps crash more than Android apps, study shows

http://m.bgr.com/2012/02/03/ios-apps-crash-more-than-android-apps-study-shows/

/ Crittercism /

Eight clever uses for your personal domain name

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2012/02/eight-clever-uses-for-your-personal-domain-name/#more-415182

/ dynamic forwarding /

How startups, like GateGuru, use Google Apps

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/google-in-the-enterprise/how-startups-like-gateguru-use-google-apps/773?tag=content;selector-fd-river

Android finally gets serious about its looks, launches official design portal

http://m.techcrunch.com/2012/01/12/android-finally-gets-serious-about-its-looks-launches-official-design-portal/?icid=tc_home_art&

Chrome to phone: interact with your mobile Android device from your desktop

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/smartphones/chrome-to-phone-interact-with-your-mobile-android-device-from-your-desktop/4162?tag=content;selector-fd-river

How multitasking really works on Android & iOS

http://www.extremetech.com/computing/112013-how-multitasking-works-on-android-and-ios

Google Nexus tablet rumors: why not to get excited

http://techland.time.com/2012/01/05/google-nexus-tablet-rumors/

Android OS: malicious apps can steal permissions

http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/security/android-os-malicious-apps-can-steal-permissions/7158?tag=content;selector-fd-river

Windows Phone Marketplace now home to 50,000 applications

http://www.bgr.com/2011/12/28/windows-phone-marketplace-now-home-to-50000-applications/

App gift guide for portable devices

Lifehacker's advice on apps for Android & iOS:

Android

http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/gift-guide-android-apps/#more-409369

 

iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2011/12/gift-guide-iphone-and-ipad-apps/#more-409371

iPhone settings icons

With iOS 5, shortcuts to settings directly from the home screen have become available to the iPhone.

Settings include Bluetooth, WiFi & screen brightness.  In my testing, brightness works on iPhone 4, but not iPad 1.  It's a bit slow & limited compared to what Android users have had since the first release, but it works, & it's a step forward.

Screen shortcuts to Web sites continue to work as before.

How to:

1. The apps:

• iFavorite app: free & paid versions. Only difference is the number of icons provided.  In my testing, the facility to create icons from user provided images is highly unreliable.  Update 29Nov2011: V1.4 "Photo import error" fixed.

• aHomeIcon app: paid version only. Haven't tested it.

2. Web sites

• Jeff Broderick Web site at: http://brdrck.me/settings/.  Best laid out & so easier to use.  Best looking icons, YMMV. Asks for a donation.

• iPHONEZA Web site: http://iphoneza.co.za/IconSettings/.  More functions than Jeff Broderick.

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/11/these-iphone-settings-icons-work-beautifully/

Samsung's killer idea: the refrigerator with a smart screen & apps

http://m.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2011/11/samsungs-killer-idea-the-refrigerator-with-a-smart-screen-and-apps/248969/

GetJar.com for Android – free apps every day

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2011/09/10/getjar-com-for-android-free-apps-every-day/

Researcher says that 8% of Android apps are leaking private information

http://digitizor.com/2011/07/21/android-malware/

Must-have jailbreak apps for iPhone

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2011/07/the-must-have-jailbreak-apps/